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Live from the Holy Land ... our rival's logo!

October 2, 2012 | 9:20
am

JERUSALEM
— The Holy Land rivalry between U.S. televangelism giants Trinity Broadcasting
Network and Daystar Television is getting a little ugly.

As
reported Monday, both broadcasters recently bought expensive new Jerusalem studios — located next-door to each other — as part of a competitive race to
expand their footprint and programming in Israel. Both prime properties feature sweeping, unobstructed views of the Mount of Olives, Old City and Mt. Zion.

In the report, TBN accused Daystar officials of working behind the scenes to prevent
TBN from obtaining its own channel on Israel’s leading satellite television
provider Yes. Daystar,
which already has its own channel on Yes, declined to comment on the
allegations.

But
on Tuesday it sent a not-so-subtle message to TBN, hanging a large “Daystar”
sign off its balcony in a position where for the most part it can only be seen from TBN’s balcony 15 feet away.

The
sign, which a Daystar crew member said may be permanent, will make it nearly
impossible for TBN cameras to get a clear picture of Mt. Zion — without also capturing
its rival's name and logo.

Photo: The sweeping view of Mt. Zion from Trinity Broadcasting Network's new Jerusalem studios is now partly obstructed by a large sign installed Tuesday by rival Daystar, which owns the studio and terrace next door. Credit: Edmund Sanders / Los Angeles Times